Easter weekend weather outlook

With all of the Easter-related activities in store from this weekend, including egg hunts, sunrise services, family gatherings, and more, you're probably wondering whether the rain and thunderstorms you have been hearing about will affect your plans. Look no further - MWN has your answer!

Starting with today, another very warm and breezy day is in store as highs again top out near 80. A veil of high clouds will filter the sunshine and perhaps keep temps a degree or two below yesterday's readings, but it will be dry and pleasant throughout the day. Gusty wind could reach 30 mph this afternoon ahead of the next storm system. Look for evening temperatures to remain in the 70s with dry conditions continuing.

That next storm system will enter the Mid-South tonight, accompanied by what I expect to be a weakening line of storms. Some areas of Arkansas could see some severe weather, including damaging wind and an isolated tornado, but with the line entering the metro area after midnight, much of it's power will be on the decline. So look for rain, possibly heavy, after midnight with some thunderstorms containing wind gusts in the 40-50 mph range.

Fortunately, it appears that most of the strongest storms and heaviest rain will be moving east of the area by sun-up on Saturday, though some lingering showers are possible until 9-10am. After that, look for the sun to begin to break out by late morning and partly cloudy skies for the afternoon. Temperatures will rise from a low near 60 to the mid 70s in the afternoon.

Saturday night and Easter Sunday will be pleasantly warm with a good deal of sunshine on Sunday. Sunrise services on Easter morning will have temperatures in the 50-55 degree range with an afternoon high back in the lower 80s!

The warm weather pattern sticks around through the first part of next week, though it will be a little more muggy than the past few days. Highs will be in the 80-84 range with lows in the 60s Monday and Tuesday before the next frontal system arrives mid-week.

For the latest forecast information, visit the MWN Forecast page.

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